TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[TCLA Community Assistant]

hiii so my uni doesn’t give % grades, is it okay to add only letter grades as long as I provide context about my grading system? @Andrei Radu @Jessica Booker

Yes - this is the most appropriate approach. Most firms will understand other grading systems or at least have guides that gives them a comparison.

 

[Bread]

Hi, is it too late to apply to W&C for summer if their apps close Jan 12th and they are rolling? Ty

 

[NCTC2025]

Hi, is it too late to apply to W&C for summer if their apps close Jan 12th and they are rolling? Ty

Just applied yesterday! If it's a firm you really like and you have a compelling application, don't shoot your chances by taking yourself out of the process!

 

[NCTC2025]

Hi @legalxp2 ,

That’s a great question! I actually encountered this in two interviews during my application cycle, and at the time, I wasn’t entirely sure how to approach it either. Reflecting on it now, I think the key is finding a balance.

It’s important not to focus too heavily on your strengths, as this might come across as skirting the question about areas for growth. At the same time, you want to avoid mentioning a weakness that’s fundamental to the role or presenting it in a way that makes it seem like you’re not working on it.

What worked for me was to structure my answer by first highlighting a strength in one paragraph, something relevant to the role and backed up with examples. Then, I’d discuss an area for growth, framing it as something I’m actively working on with clear steps.

This shows self-awareness and also demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development.

Hope that helps!

Hi @Amma Usman!
I had a question about this response. When writing the areas for growth and saying what I am doing to improve, should I include tangible results highlighting improvements? I am worried that providing these results suggest that it is no longer an area for growth per se.

Thanks a lot!

 

[Shandy101]

Does anyone want to compare Skadden's answers? PM me.

 

[InterestInPublicLaw]

Email said Monday

Thanks, I am just not sure if it means Monday 00:00, which effectively means Sunday 23:59:59, or Monday 23:59:59

 

[M_m]

Hi, is it too late to apply to W&C for summer if their apps close Jan 12th and they are rolling? Ty

Hey, so I’m not a 100% sure about this but I do remember grad rec saying at one event that they make all decisions after the deadline, and that they just read application as they come so that it doesn’t become too hectic for them after the deadline. Could be wrong though.

 

[g.cl.2020344]

What does it mean if Sullivan and Cromwell put your app on hold

 

[CG_101]

What does it mean if Sullivan and Cromwell put your app on hold

this happened to me too

 

[suhana]

anyone know if weil is still giving out vi offers? i applied on deadline day

 

[seaweed.bond]

I read it as just the cover letter, but I don’t think you have to fill the 2 pages (last year mine was about 1.5 pages and I got through to the VI)

Ohhhh I see, thank u so much!

 

[g.cl.2020344]

this happened to me too

Is it a good thing I can’t tell lol

 

[Shandy101]

What does it mean if Sullivan and Cromwell put your app on hold

It means they haven't rejected you outright, which they have done to some applicants. We're still in the game.

 

[ellabasing]

Hi there, I have a question regarding the application for Cooley's Summer Programme. I attended the Meet Cooley event in November and as part of the application for that, we had to answer "What is motivating you toward a career at Cooley?" and "Please tell us about interests and activities you pursue and positions of responsibility that are relevant for the role." However, those questions are also required for the Summer Programme application (as well as two others), and so, I was wondering if it is necessary to change the answers completely or just add in a few bits about the Meet Cooley event for the why Cooley question and then leave the interests and activities answer the same? Would appreciate some advice!

 

[suhana]

hey guys. anyone know if its still worth applying for summer vs of hogan lovells and white and case, considering they are rolling and deadlines are 3rd jan and 12th jan respectively and vi offers have started to go out?

 

[plshireme]

What time does the DWF application close tomorrow?

 

[mariistm]

hey guys. anyone know if its still worth applying for summer vs of hogan lovells and white and case, considering they are rolling and deadlines are 3rd jan and 12th jan respectively and vi offers have started to go out?

I'm going to apply for HL today. You miss all the shots you don't take!

 

[Will123]

Hi there, I have a question regarding the Marriott Harrison VS application. One of the questions is: "Where do you see your career in five years, and how does this align with the work Marriott Harrison does?" Would greatly appreciate some pointers on how to approach this question, and how to differentiate my answer from the "why this firm" style question. @Amma Usman @Andrei Radu @Ram Sabaratnam @Jessica Booker

 

[floral.tcla]

For Mayer Brown's SJT, normally I'm quite cautious in answering questions as I'd be a trainee who's very junior, but on their website it says they really like creativity and innovation. So, should my answers be a bit more geared towards risk/like pursuing novel alternatives if there's a case for it, or to be conservative?

 

[floral.tcla]

apparently some S&M applicants are getting interviews - if I haven't heard back from slaughters and may does it mean I'm screwed? (doubly since my grades are at oxbridge but a low 2:1)